Wolfpack Lands Top-30 Forward in the Country: Cole Cloer Commits to NC State Men’s Basketball
The NC State Wolfpack have made another major splash on the national recruiting scene, landing the commitment of Cole Cloer, a Top-30 forward in the 2025 recruiting class, who announced his pledge to the Wolfpack on Saturday afternoon. The 6-foot-8 versatile forward from Hillsborough, North Carolina, chose NC State over offers from Duke, Virginia, North Carolina, and Kansas, solidifying head coach Kevin Keatts’s recruiting resurgence and affirming the Wolfpack’s growing national relevance.
Cloer’s commitment is a monumental win for NC State’s 2025 class and signals that the program is ready to contend with the elite programs in both the ACC and the broader college basketball landscape. With his decision, NC State now boasts one of the most exciting incoming frontcourts in the nation—a blend of length, versatility, and energy that perfectly complements the Wolfpack’s up-tempo style.
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A Commitment Years in the Making
Cloer’s relationship with NC State has been developing for several years. The Orange High School star first caught the Wolfpack’s attention during his sophomore year when he averaged 20 points and 9 rebounds per game while displaying a polished mid-range game and the ability to handle the ball like a guard.
As recruiting ramped up, Cloer became one of the most sought-after prospects in the Southeast. His strong performances on the Nike EYBL circuit and with Team United AAU raised his national ranking into the Top 30 overall and Top 10 among power forwards. Analysts praised his maturity, high basketball IQ, and defensive versatility.
NC State assistant coach Roy Roberson played a key role in Cloer’s recruitment, maintaining close contact with his family and emphasizing how the Wolfpack’s system would allow him to develop both as a scorer and as a multi-positional defender.
In his announcement, Cloer said:
> “NC State felt like home from the beginning. Coach Keatts and his staff believed in me early, and I want to be part of something special. I see what they’re building in Raleigh, and I want to help take the program to the next level.”
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Scouting Report: The Complete Modern Forward
Cole Cloer’s game fits perfectly into the modern basketball landscape. Standing 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, he combines the size of a power forward with the agility and skill set of a wing. His versatility allows him to score from all three levels, defend multiple positions, and create plays off the dribble—traits that have made him one of the most coveted recruits in the country.
Offensive Skillset
Cloer’s offensive game is defined by fluidity and control. He’s equally comfortable spotting up for a three-pointer as he is driving to the rim off a pump fake. His mid-range jumper is smooth, and he’s known for using his length to finish through contact.
During the 2024-25 high school season, he averaged 21.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, shooting 49% from the field and 37% from three-point range. He has also become a reliable free-throw shooter, hitting over 80% from the line.
Keatts has long prioritized players who can stretch the floor and initiate offense from multiple spots. Cloer’s ability to play the 3, 4, or even small-ball 5 makes him a perfect fit in NC State’s switching, fast-paced system.
Defensive Presence
Defensively, Cloer brings a rare combination of length, timing, and lateral quickness. He’s a capable shot blocker and a strong rebounder who understands positioning. His defensive instincts—especially in help situations—have drawn comparisons to former ACC standouts like Grant Williams and PJ Hall.
Scouts have often described Cloer as a “two-way engine,” capable of impacting the game without dominating the ball. That makes him an ideal piece in a system that thrives on ball movement and spacing.
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Why Cloer Chose NC State
In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities and national exposure heavily influence recruiting, Cloer’s decision to stay in-state carries extra weight. Several factors contributed to his choice:
1. Trust in Kevin Keatts – Cloer praised the coaching staff’s vision and their emphasis on player development. Keatts’ reputation for developing forwards who can play both ends of the floor—like Jericole Hellems and DJ Burns—resonated deeply with Cloer and his family.
2. Proximity to Home – Growing up in North Carolina, Cloer developed a connection with the state’s basketball culture. Choosing NC State allows his family to attend games and remain part of his journey.
3. Program Culture and Momentum – NC State’s recent success in recruiting and consistent competitiveness in the ACC played a key role. The Wolfpack’s 2024 NCAA Tournament run and their up-tempo, guard-driven offense gave Cloer a glimpse of how his skill set would fit seamlessly.
4. NIL Stability – The Wolfpack’s growing NIL infrastructure, particularly through partnerships like Pack of Wolves Collective, offers Cloer opportunities to build his personal brand while focusing on basketball development.
As Cloer put it:
> “I wanted to be at a school that felt like family, where the coaching staff really cares about my growth on and off the court. At NC State, I know I’ll be pushed every day.”
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Impact on NC State’s 2025 Recruiting Class
With Cloer’s commitment, NC State’s 2025 recruiting class rises significantly in national rankings. The Wolfpack now sit comfortably inside the Top 15 nationally, and No. 3 among ACC programs, behind only Duke and Miami.
Cloer joins a class that already includes:
Darius Green, a 6-foot-3 point guard from Georgia known for his court vision and defensive toughness.
Zion Carter, a 6-foot-10 center with elite shot-blocking ability and emerging post moves.
Together, they form a dynamic trio with inside-out potential—Green as the floor general, Cloer as the versatile scorer, and Carter as the rim protector.
Recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw of On3 Sports noted:
> “Cole Cloer is the kind of commitment that changes the perception of a program. He’s not just a local star—he’s a national-level prospect who could have gone anywhere. His decision to stay home signals that NC State is building something sustainable.”
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What It Means for Kevin Keatts and NC State
For head coach Kevin Keatts, landing Cloer is both a validation of his recruiting strategy and a pivotal moment in his tenure. After several seasons of near-misses on five-star recruits, the Wolfpack have now secured back-to-back Top 50 players, giving the program much-needed recruiting momentum in the ACC’s increasingly competitive landscape.
Keatts has emphasized versatility, athleticism, and shooting as the foundation of NC State’s identity. Cloer embodies all three, making him a potential immediate contributor when he arrives on campus.
> “Cole fits exactly what we want in a player,” Keatts said in a statement. “He’s skilled, competitive, and has the work ethic to be great. He can impact winning right away.”
With Miami, Duke, and North Carolina consistently bringing in elite talent, NC State’s ability to land Cloer signals that the program is no longer playing catch-up—it’s competing head-to-head with the blue bloods.
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The Local Buzz and Fan Reaction
Wolfpack fans erupted on social media as soon as Cloer announced his decision, flooding timelines with red and white emojis and the familiar rallying cry, “#GoPack.” The commitment carries emotional resonance for local supporters who have watched Cloer grow into one of the state’s premier talents.
At Orange High, where Cloer led his team to consecutive state semifinal appearances, local fans celebrated the news like a championship victory. His high school coach, Rodney Clark, called the moment “a dream come true.”
> “Cole has worked for this his whole life. He’s not just talented—he’s coachable, humble, and driven. NC State is getting a player who will represent the university with pride.”
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Fit and Future Outlook
Projecting forward, Cloer’s arrival could reshape NC State’s lineup dynamics. With his size and skill, he could start as early as his freshman season, depending on roster retention. His ability to play alongside stretch forwards or traditional centers gives Keatts flexibility to adapt to different opponents.
Analysts believe Cloer has NBA potential, particularly given his frame and improving perimeter game. His comparison often draws parallels to players like Jayson Tatum or Kyle Filipowski—tall, multi-skilled forwards capable of creating mismatches all over the floor.
If he continues to develop as expected, Cloer could become a one-and-done candidate or, at the very least, a multi-year standout who leaves a lasting mark on the ACC.
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Conclusion: A Defining Commitment for the Wolfpack
Cole Cloer’s commitment to NC State represents more than a recruiting victory—it’s a statement of intent. The Wolfpack are no longer content to play the role of underdog in the ACC. Instead, they’re establishing themselves as a destination for top-tier talent seeking development, opportunity, and culture.
For Cloer, the choice reflects both loyalty to his home state and belief in a program on the rise. For Keatts and NC State, it signals that the Wolfpack are entering a new era—one defined by high-level recruiting, on-court competitiveness, and renewed national respect.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle continues, expect the Wolfpack to build around Cloer as the face of their future—a homegrown star ready to restore NC State’s proud basketball legacy.
Final Word:
Cole Cloer’s arrival gives Wolfpack Nation more than a reason to celebrate—it gives them a cornerstone for a new era in Raleigh. The message is clear: the Pack is back, and the future runs through Cole Cloer.
